Luxury Holidays to Komodo & Flores

This is Indonesia in the raw, with the emphasis on appreciating the authentic local culture, landscapes and wildlife. As a result, this is a far cry (and compelling contrast) from the immaculate hotels and luxurious lifestyle available on Bali - don't expect seven star accommodation, on the island of Flores you'll more likely be staying in a guesthouse where local nuns might join you for the night.

The lack of creature comforts is all well worth it when exploring the otherwise inaccessible surroundings, with particular highlights being the bizarrely morphing coloured crater lakes at Kelimutu, and trekking to the traditional village of Belaragi.

But arguably the greatest attraction, despite the island's name, is not the flora but the fauna, and in particular the vast colonies of bats, and, on the neighbouring islands of Komodo and Rinca, the eponymous dragons. Seeing these extraordinary beasts in the wild is pretty unbeatable, and beneath the waves of the Komodo National Park lies further giant creatures, this time mantas and whale sharks, and some of the best diving in the region.

Now whilst travelling overland in Flores is for the hardy and adventurous, exploring the islands, beaches and reefs of the Komodo Islands archipelago can be done in relative luxury - particularly if sailing on some of the luxurious Phinisi Schooner boats that ply these waters from April to October each year.